Oregon State Parks to Implement Parking Fees at 22 More Locations

New fees aim to help maintain and operate amenities at popular day-use parks across the state.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will add parking fees at 22 additional state parks by the end of March 2026. The $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors day-use fees will help cover the costs of maintaining facilities like restrooms, boat ramps, and trails at these popular destinations. An annual parking permit option is also available for frequent park-goers.

Why it matters

The new parking fees are part of the state's efforts to sustainably fund the operations and upkeep of its expansive park system, with around 35% of state park funding currently coming from these types of user fees. The changes aim to protect the visitor experience at high-traffic day-use sites by ensuring adequate resources are available for maintenance and services.

The details

The 22 state parks set to add parking fees on March 30, 2026 include popular coastal and hiking destinations like Devil's Punchbowl, Cape Meares, and Wallowa Lake. In addition, a new $10 fee will be implemented at 19 RV dump stations across the park system to help cover the costs of maintaining that amenity. Access to state parks will remain free for visitors arriving without a car.

  • The new parking fees will go into effect on March 30, 2026.
  • An annual parking permit for Oregon residents costs $60 and can be purchased online.

The players

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The state agency responsible for managing Oregon's expansive network of state parks, trails, and recreation areas.

Stefanie Coons

The interim director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

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What they’re saying

“We know fee changes are tough and we truly appreciate the support from visitors. These changes help us take care of things people count on like restrooms, boat ramps and trails, so we can keep parks safe, clean and welcoming for everyone.”

— Stefanie Coons, Interim Director, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

What’s next

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will continue to monitor visitor feedback and park usage data to determine if further fee adjustments are needed in the future to maintain the state's park system.

The takeaway

As Oregon's state parks face growing visitation and maintenance needs, the new parking fees represent a pragmatic approach to sustainably funding operations and protecting the visitor experience at high-traffic day-use sites across the state.